Thanks to a number of volunteers in Saranac, students are able to find a friendship and a positive role model that will help enhance their life and academic career.

Seeds of HOPE is a mentoring program to provide one adult per student for one hour each week. Though the main focus is to provide students with a positive role model, the mentors also have the ability to help with homework or other forms of academics.

The program is an offshoot of Branch Adventures, which is a Christian camp outside of Saranac that is staffed by volunteers.

"We wanted to serve the community in a different way," said Caroline Dibaba, executive director of Branch Adventures and Seeds of HOPE. "We know that (the program is) for us and for (the children)."

Any student within Saranac Community Schools can be eligible for the program, as teachers refer students. Thus far, all of the students have been from Saranac Elementary, though one who is still in the program this year is at Saranac Jr./Sr. High School.

Each session takes place at the school building in a visible area and during school hours, which Dibaba said helps attendance numbers and safety. To keep the program consistent, the session takes place at the same hour and day every week. There is no contact outside of school.

"They just thrive on that one-on-one time," Dibaba said, adding it is rewarding and a joy for Seeds of HOPE mentors. "We focus on building relationships and being fun."

The activities and what order they will be completed in the one-hour session are chosen by the student so they can take ownership of their decisions.

In order to gain more volunteers, Seeds of Hope members select people from the community church network, Dibaba said. From there, potential volunteers must fill out an application, submit three personal references and one pastoral reference, submit a central registry clearance from the Michigan Department of Human Services, agree with the statement of faith of Branch Adventures and attend a volunteer training session. Background checks are also performed for each volunteer and interviews also may take place, Dibaba added.

Once permission from the parents is given, the mentors are matched with a student depending on daily schedules, age, personality type or what is most comfortable with both parties. Changes can be made whenever necessary.

Saranac Elementary Principal Jason Smith.

"Seeds of HOPE has been great. The impact the mentors have on the students has been tremendous," said Smith. "You can see the students 'light up' on the days they meet with their mentors. It has been a huge benefit to have more positive role models for kids."

Mentor Kathy Tucker said she has a love for children and began as a mentor when Seeds of HOPE began.